The annual Melplash Agricultural Society’s flock competition rewards farmers in the area for their shepherding and flock management skills.   It is open to sheep farmers who live within twelve miles of Melplash village church who keep sheep for breeding whether commercial, pedigree or rare breeds.  There are classes for small, medium and large flocks.

The judge for the small and medium flock categories was Martin Yeates of Dorchester accompanied by Society President 2025, John Bugler.  The large flock category was judged by Sam Edwards of Cerne Abbas and was stewarded by Phillip Baker.

The results are as follows:

Small Flock (15-30 ewes)

1st and winner of the Melplash Agricultural Society Perpetual Cup: Mandy Gurd, Halstock with her flock of Welsh Balwin Sheep.  ‘A fantastic flock.  The ewes were in great condition, lambs growing wonderfully, super feet, very clean.  Looked a picture and clearly bring great pleasure to Mandy – a deserved winner. said the judge, Martin Yeates.

2nd – Kaye Downey, Hardington Marsh, Yeovil – mixed flock of ewes.

3rd – Richard White, Morcombelake – flock of Exmoor Mules

4th – Darren Rashley, East Coker – flock of predominantly Portlands

 

Medium Flock (51-300 ewes)

1st and winner of the J R Bowditch Perpetual Cup:  David & Carolyn Gill, Chantmarle, Yeovil with their flock of pedigree Shetlands.  ‘A flock with a difference, taking Northern Hemisphere wool production, all be in on a modest scale, to new places.  Huge attention to detail and their passion for wool is clearly paying dividends and giving them great enjoyment’ said the judge, Martin Yeates.

2nd – Alice Wade, Colesmoor Farm, Toller Porcorum – flock of Romney x Highlander

 

Large Flock (301 ewes & over)

1st and winner of the Newall Perpetual Cup: Ian Johnson, Whitchurch Canonicorum with his flock of North Country Mules  ‘I was really impressed with the quality of the stock even more so with the numbers of stock being carried.   It was a credit to Ian and his team, and how it fitted in around their main enterprise’ said the Judge, Sam Edwards

2nd – Bruce Maltby, Kingston Russell, Dorchester – flock of Romney

3rd – Ricky Frampton, Whitchurch Canonicorum – flock of Poll Dorset and Cross Breeds

The winners will receive their trophies at the Melplash Show on 21 August 2025